Several teams from the Ceres Youth Baseball Organization competed in the George Costa All-Star Tournament, held June 13-16, in Ceres.
Pony
Two Ceres Blaze teams faced off in the championship game in the Pony Division.
The Blaze 13s cruised to a 17-2 win over the Blaze 14s during the finals on June 16 at Costa Fields.
“It’s always special to win the tournament,” said Blaze 13s head coach Jorge Guerrero said. “Last year, we lost in the championship game to the Ceres All-Stars. We were 12u playing up.”
The Blaze 13s compiled a perfect 3-0 record at their home tournament.
“That was the expectation,” Guerrero stated. “This same group of kids has been together for almost three years. They work hard. They compete.”
The Blaze 13s beat the Blaze 14s twice, and the Oakdale All-Stars once.
The Blaze 13s shut out the Blaze 14s 8-0 in the semifinals on June 13.
The Blaze 13s opened the tourney with an 8-1 victory against Oakdale on June 13.
The Chuck Weeks-led Blaze 14s posted a 2-1 record at the Costa Tournament.
11-12s
The Ceres All-Stars placed first in front of their home fans.
Ceres bounced back after dropping two of three games at the Bel Passi Tournament.
“It was surprising what they did,” head coach Humberto Carranza said. “Their communication improved. They created a bond. They were feeding off each other’s energy. Their performance was outstanding.”
The All-Stars won all three of their games at the Costa event.
Ceres outscored its opponents, 37-20.
Humberto Garcia was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
He was recognized for his all-round play.
“His pitching was outstanding,” Carranza said. “I don’t think he struck out one time on offense. He played flawless defense throughout the tournament.”
Ceres players drenched Carranza with water after the All-Stars claimed the title with a 9-5 win over Oakdale Red on June 16.
“The kids were excited to be in the finals,” said Carranza, whose team bested the Oakdale Red for the second time in two days. “Going into the game, we were way more prepared. Our pitchers figured out the rhythm they were hitting at.”
Garcia starred at pitcher as he struck out all six batters he faced.
Ceres topped Oakdale Red 16-11 in the semifinals on June 15.
Alfredo Macias hit two home runs, including a walk-off grand slam.
“It was electric,” Carranza said. “You could feel it.”
The All-Stars cruised to a 12-4 win over Oakdale Gold in the opening round on June 14.
“Playing and winning at home was an incredible experience,” Carranza said. “This is my first time coaching.”
7-8s
The Ceres All-Stars finished third at their home tournament.
“Overall, I was very happy with how the team played and progressed,” head coach Ismael Ontiveros said. “The kids played really well. Unfortunately, we fell short in the semifinals.”
Ceres amassed a 3-2 record.
The second-seeded Oakdale All-Stars eliminated third-seeded Ceres from the tournament with a 10-1 win on June 16.
“We were really devastated we didn’t win it,” Ontiveros said. “We really wanted it. Oakdale came out on fire. We couldn’t recover. We had just beaten them prior in the Bel Pass Tournament. They’re a good team. We love playing them.”
Ceres defeated the Modesto All-Stars 10-1 in the quarterfinals on June 16.
Ceres won two of three games in pool play.
Ceres collected wins versus Central Valley Elite (15-5) and Hilmar (24-12) on June 15.
Ceres dropped its opener to the eventual-champion P-Town Boyz of Patterson (10-7) on June 14.
Ceres reeled off three straight wins after losing to the P-Town Boyz.
“It gave us what I felt was momentum,” Ontiveros said.
Ceres has played in four tournaments this summer, placing second at Bel Passi and Gustine, and third at Hilmar and Costa.
“We’re trying to find one more tournament to play in, Ontiveros said. “We’re still practicing. I’ve really enjoyed coaching these kids. They work really hard. They got attitudes. They’re fun to be around.”
